iOS 8 Features: Top 5 Hidden Details Revealed

After the smoke has cleared on some minor update kinks last week, Apple's iOS 8 is beginning to hum like a well-oiled machine.

Like many gadget geeks, The Independent believes that the latest operating system for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch has plenty of depth and features that is really worth looking at in great detail.

Mashable was a bit curt when it stated in its report: "Some of the best new features in iOS 8 are the ones you probably haven't used yet."

Apple has inconspicuously integrated a collection of new features and tools into its latest mobile operating system and many of these are hard to find, cites the Mashable report.

Some have never made it to the news, but are nonetheless useful, satisfying, and even addicting, cites The Independent.

Here are the Top 5 hidden features and details, which today's iOS 8 users would certainly find very usable:

1.    Self-timer in camera app

Apple added a new dimension to taking images or selfie shots with iOS 8 by adding a timer to its Camera app, allowing users between three to 10 seconds to get the shot they want. Users also have the option to use the timer with Burst Mode, which snaps photos in rapid succession, giving users plenty to choose from.

2.    Capability to use keyboard of choice

Apple has opened iOS 8 to third-party companies for a variety of keyboard types downloadable from the Apple Store or iTunes. Some of these are free and some comes with a price. Ultimately, these have made texting more user-friendly and tailor fit to users.

3.    Voice-activated SMS messaging

With iOS 8, users have the option to send audio files in message, reports The Independent. When composing a text, a microphone icon can be found at the right of the message or the keyboard itself. It starts recording the moment it is pressed. Upon completion of the message, just flick the thumb and the message is sent.

4.    Wi-fi calling

Wi-fi calling will take call quality on the iPhone to an even better level, says The Independent. This feature will address the problem of poor mobile phone signal anywhere because voice call is transmitted via wi-fi instead of the usual 2G cellular network.

5.    Tips

The Independent reports that Tips is a new app from Apple which issues regular and frequent tips to users including how to type an internet address as one is writing. "It also tells you how to set up Family Sharing so that once you've bought an app, other family members can share even if they have their own Apple IDs. The only downside to this app is it's a bit addictive and users keep wanting updates," cites The Independent.